Air Force Nursing 2013

I just recently started the process to apply to be an Air Force nurse. I'm trying to complete my packet for the January 2013 (Feb 19-Board, Mar 08-Decision). Anyone else currently starting or in the process? Any advice with gathering my information?

Any current Air Force Nurses that could give me insight about their experience, especially regarding their first assignment?

My husband is about to separate from the Army and we are used to that way of thinking and doing things (i.e. lots of misleading information, less family oriented, less options regarding career). My recruiter had mentioned that everyone goes into a general clinical nurse slot, but is given the opportunity to specialize into a department of their choice after one year. My initial response was "Yeah... riiighhhttt." I don't actually believe that I would be given such a choice so soon, but I'm not sure if that is only because of our experience with the Army. Can anyone enlighten me??

Hallo Jilly,I am also in the process of applying for the January boards.You can apply for a specialty if you have experience as I am applying forER/Trauma nurse program. Like you, I am also more used to the Army side of theDoD house J. I think and hope that I am all or almost all done with my paperworkat this point and only need to get the chief nurse interview done. The biggestconcern is to get medical cleared, but it looks like all is going okay. Had myphysical 3 weeks ago, we will see if I need to get a waiver. I was told Fridayby my recruiter that there are only a total of 8 ER Nurses slots for the 2013year and that already 14 had applied for these at the Nov boards. But that theyhold some for the next boards, hope I am competitive enough. I am currently in Germany (as a civilian RNwith the USA) which makes it more difficult to get things done like MEPS or theChief Nurse Interview. My resume is very specific for the ED. Members started a threat few months ago for the Army boardsand shared information and background info’s. Maybe we can do the same. Like youI am applying for the Jan/Feb boards. I have a total of 5 almost 6 yearsnursing experiences in the ER, Cathlab/IR, and now primary care. 11 years ofEMS experience as a Paramedic and 10 as a cardiac arrhythmia tech (same time periodas the medic). I have only an ADN with a GPA of 3.75, BS in Healthcare ManagementGPA 4.0 and will be done with an MSN with emphasis in public health(currentlyGPA 4.0, have 2.5 classes left) and the normal certs like ACLS,PALS, TNCC...oh, I am old ..39y/o female
How about you and others? Please share your information!

Nice to meet you BVFD! Glad to hear you are almost through the process. It sounds as though you should be really competitive for selection. I'll be applying for a general nurse spot since I don't have enough experience in a specialty. I completed my ADN in 2010 with a 3.7 GPA. I've worked in Primary Care, Ob/Gyn, Corrections, and now in a college campus clinic doing more community health type nursing. I finished my BSN in September with a 3.7 GPA. I'm 24 years old, married to active duty army (who will be getting out in the next couple months). No children. No medical issues. I will be doing my physical sometime in the next couple weeks. I had been thinking about joining the Nurse Corps for the past few years, but I'm starting the process kind of late to get in for January. It looks like it'll be a scramble for me, but I'm so excited for the opportunity! Please keep me posted on your progress, Good luck!!

nice to meet you, and everyone else on this thread. I have been going through this process for a year now. I originally had applied for the med/surg boards this past february but hadnt finished my bsn yet. I had just finished my bsn this past august. my recruiter said that since there were only 20 slots at that time left then they were probably wanting people that were already done with school and ready to roll. so I have already done my meps and my chief nurse interview. now, I recently last month had submitted my packet out for this coming board selection for november but my recruiter just called me two days ago and said that there had been so many packets submitted and they just couldnt take no more and a bunch got sent back and guess what- one of them was mine!!! so, now i have wait and submit it to the january boards. with that being said, my CN interview expires in december so I have to do it again. i'm not sure if its gonna be with the same person or not. for those of you who have not done the CN interview or meps- I can be a help with what to expect. I was told from my recruiter that the november boards have 80 slots but i'm not sure for january though. he is getting ready to leave for a 6 week training in florida so i will have to deal with a his boss in the mean time. what made you not medical qualified at meps if you dont mind me asking? talk to you soon.

Hello kdazzle,Consistently low platelet count ( aka ITP "stable"for the past 20plus years) which I knew I will need a waiver for...but afterMEPS it sounded like all was fine until they got the CBC results from that day.Well, I just talked to my recruiter who was even more surprised than I was. Heis calling the AF Surgeon Generals Office to see what is going on. (I am inGermany, and that’s why it went to the AF Surgeon General)Sorry about all your problems, you should have priority this time (my feelings
do you mind sharing with us some of your info...school, certs, work area

Thanks for getting those numbers BVFD! 80 slots is a little more reassuring than those going for the ED with only 14. I've got my medical exam next Thursday. I only started the process a week ago but so far it seems to be rolling quickly. I'm really anxious to get everything in for the January board. If not, I'll be picking up and moving back to the mainland until I can re-apply or find a new path. Can anyone offer critical things that may cause a hold up?

Kdazzle,
Any advice for the CN interview? I was told to expect that scheduled in the next month. Thanks for joining the topic!

ok, here is some advice for the CN interview. first impressions are everything but i'm sure you already know that. this is what i took into advice from my recruiter and had an excellent interview the first time around and hopefully will have another one in december too. anyways.....

you wanna look the part like your already in the military. hair in a tight bun. no wispies flying around. LOL. no crazy makeup, nail polish etc. only stud earrings only either silver or gold. no diamonds. they dont like nothing flashy. I wore a nice pencil skirt (with panty hose) with a jacket to match and nice collared shirt under neath. pretty much dress like a lawyer. he said your allowed to wear nice dress pants but my recruiter is old fashioned and said he thinks woman should wear skirts and personally i have to agree. not that I dont have nice pants but for this occasion i agree with wearing a skirt LOL. sit up straight and look confident. smile alot so you look friendly and relaxed. make sure to adress them as yes sir/maam. they will ask you alot of what is on the cheat sheet that your recruiter should have given you. let me know if he/she did not and i will fill you in on the topics that will be asked. I was just looking at the clock and I have to get ready for work but I will check back in tonight when I am at work and get back with you. talk to you soon